5 Marines in critical condition after their vehicle bursts into flames at Camp Pendleton

FILE:
Marines exit towards their objective point during a mechanized
assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March
29, 2010.Wikimedia
Commons

An amphibious assault vehicle with 15 Marines inside burst into
flames during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California
on Wednesday, according to a source with knowledge of the
incident.

Although the vehicle was engulfed in flames, all of the Marines
were able to escape.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity since they
were not authorized to talk with reporters, said that at least
three Marines were taken by helicopter to local hospitals for
burns and smoke inhalation.

The training incident involved members of the 3rd Assault
Amphibian Battalion and troops with Charlie Co., 1st Battalion,
1st Marines, an infantry unit situated at the northern end of the
base at Camp Horno. The unit was carrying out a Combat Readiness
Evaluation, the source added.

All 15 Marines are being treated for injuries from the incident;
8 were transported to the Burn Center at University of
California-San Diego, while 4 others were taken to the University
of California-Irvine Medical Center.

Five Marines were listed in critical condition. Another five
were listed as serious.

One Marine was in stable condition after being transported to
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and two others were treated
for minor injuries at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.

"All Marines are currently being treated for injuries. Our
thoughts and prayers are with the Marines and their families as
they receive medical care. Officials are investigating the
circumstances surrounding the incident at this time," 1st Marine
Division spokesman 1st Lt. Paul Gainey said in a statement.

This post was updated 9/13 3:54 p.m. PDT with more
information on the extent of injuries.